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acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) - a disease, caused
by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which kills or impairs cells of
the immune system and progressively destroys the body's ability to fight
infections and certain cancers. HIV is most commonly spread in teens and
adults by sexual contact with an infected partner. HIV is most commonly
spread in infants and children by vertical transmission from an infected
mother while in the womb or during delivery.
antibiotic - a group of drugs that kill bacteria and other
organisms that cause disease.
antibody (Also called immunoglobulin.) - a protein that is
manufactured by lymphocytes to neutralize or destroy an antigen or foreign
protein. Many types of antibodies are protective against infection.
Rarely, antibodies are produced against tissues in the body resulting in
illness (autoimmune disease).
antigen - a substance that can trigger an immune response
causing the production of antibodies as part of the body's defense against
infection and disease.
antihistamine drugs - drugs that block the effects of histamine,
a chemical released in the body during an allergic reaction.
anti-inflammatory drugs - drugs that reduce the signs and
symptoms of inflammation.
asymptomatic - to be without noticeable symptoms of disease.
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base - bottom portion of lower lobes of the lung, located just
above the diaphragm.
bronchiole - a small airway (subdivision of the bronchus) that
leads to areas of the lung and absorbs oxygen from the air.
bronchiolitis - inflammation that involves the bronchioles
(small airways).
bronchus - one of two large subdivisions of the trachea through
which air passes to and from the lungs.
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chickenpox - a highly viral infectious disease, usually
associated with childhood. By adulthood, more than 95 percent of Americans
have had chickenpox. The disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus
(VZV). Transmission occurs from person-to-person by direct contact or
through the air.
chlamydial infection - very common sexually transmitted disease
or urinary tract infection caused by a bacteria-like organism in the
urethra and reproductive system.
computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a
diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and
computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called
slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows
detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles,
fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
culture - a laboratory test that involves the growing of
bacteria or other microorganisms to aid in the diagnosis.
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diphtheria - a serious, infectious disease that produces
a toxin (poison) and an inflammation in the membrane lining of the throat,
nose, trachea, and other tissues.
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E. coli O157:H7 (Also called E. coli. or Escherichia coli.) -
Species of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and healthy cattle;
often the cause of urinary tract infections, diarrhea in infants, and
wound infections.
encephalitis - a viral infection of the brain.
exanthem - a rash.
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genital herpes - a sexually transmitted disease caused by the
herpes simplex virus.
genital warts - a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human
papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts may be precursor to cervical cancer.
gonorrhea - a common sexually transmitted disease causing
inflammation of the genital mucous membranes. It may involve the upper and
lower genital tracts, the bladder and kidneys, and may spread to other
structures via the bloodstream.
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Haemophilus influenzae (Also called H. influenzae.) -
Represents a group of bacteria that may cause different types of
infections in infants and children. H influenzae most commonly causes ear,
eye, or sinus infections, and pneumonia.
hepatitis - inflammation of the liver that sometimes causes
permanent damage; caused by viruses, drugs, alcohol, or parasites.
Hepatitis has the following forms:
hepatitis A - a form of infectious hepatitis caused by the
hepatitis A virus. The virus may be spread by fecal-oral contact,
fecal-infected food or water, and may also be spread by a blood-borne
infection (which is rare).
hepatitis B - a form of infectious hepatitis caused by the
hepatitis B virus. Transmission of the hepatitis B virus occurs through
blood and body fluid exposure such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions,
or saliva.
hepatitis C - a form of infectious hepatitis caused by the
hepatitis C virus. Transmission of the hepatitis C virus occurs
primarily from contact with infected blood, but can also occur from
sexual contact or from an infected mother to her baby.
hepatitis D - a form of infectious hepatitis caused by the
hepatitis (Delta) virus. This form of hepatitis can only occur in the
presence of hepatitis B. Transmission of hepatitis D occurs the same way
as hepatitis B.
hepatitis E - a form of infectious hepatitis caused by the
hepatitis E virus. This form of hepatitis is similar to hepatitis A.
Transmission occurs through fecal-oral contamination. Hepatitis E is
most common in poorly developed countries and is rarely seen in the US.
hepatitis G - the newest form of infectious hepatitis.
Transmission is believed to occur through blood and is seen in IV drug
users, individuals with clotting disorders, such as hemophilia, and
individuals who require hemodialysis for renal failure.
herpes genitalis - an infection caused by the herpes simplex
virus (HSV) and usually spread by sexual contact. Symptoms may include
painful blisters or open sores in the genital area, which may be preceded
by a tingling or burning sensation in the legs, buttocks, or genital
region. The herpes sores usually disappear within a few weeks, but the
virus remains in the body and the lesions may recur from time to time.
herpes zoster (Also called shingles.) - a common viral infection
of the nerves, characterized by a painful skin rash of small blisters
anywhere on the body. It is a reactivation of chickenpox virus.
human papillomaviruses (HPVs) - a group of viruses that can
cause warts. Some HPVs are sexually transmitted and cause wart-like
growths on the genitals. HPV is associated with some types of cancer.
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inflammation - redness, swelling, heat, and pain in a tissue due
to chemical or physical injury, infection, or allergic reaction.
immune system - a collection of cells and proteins that works to
protect the body from potentially harmful, infectious microorganisms, such
as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
immunocompromised - an abnormal condition where one's ability to
fight infection is decreased. This can be due to a disease process,
certain medications, or a condition present at birth.
inflammation - redness, swelling, heat, and pain in a tissue due
to chemical or physical injury, infection, or allergic reaction.
influenza (Also called the flu.) - a viral respiratory tract
infection. The influenza viruses are divided into three types: A, B, and
C.
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lymph - part of the lymphatic system; a thin, clear fluid that
circulates through the lymphatic vessels and carries blood cells that
fight infection and disease.
lymph nodes - part of the lymphatic system; bean-shaped organs,
found in the underarm, groin, neck, and abdomen, that act as filters for
the lymph fluid as it passes through them.
lymph vessels - part of the lymphatic system; thin tubes that
carry lymph fluid throughout the body.
lymphangiogram (LAG) - an imaging study that can detect cancer
cells or abnormalities in the lymphatic system and structures. It involves
a dye being injected to the lymph system.
lymphatic system - part of the immune system; includes lymph,
ducts, organs, lymph vessels, lymphocytes, and lymph nodes, whose function
is to produce and carry white blood cells to fight disease and infection.
lymphocytes - part of the lymphatic system; white blood cells
that fight infection and disease.
Lyme disease (LD) - A bacterial infection caused by infected
ticks, usually by a deer tick bite.
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measles - a very contagious viral illness characterized by a
distinct rash and a fever; spread through airborne droplets of nasal
secretions.
meningitis - an inflammation of the covering of the brain and
spinal cord.
meningococcal infections - caused by a group of bacteria called
Neisseria meningitidis. The most common forms of meningococcal infections
include meningitis (infection of the membranes that surround the brain and
spinal cord) and blood stream infections.
mumps - an acute and highly contagious viral illness that
usually occurs in childhood. Spread by airborne droplets from the upper
respiratory tract, the disease usually takes two to three weeks to appear.
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nodule (Also called papule.) - a solid, raised bump.
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oophoritis - inflammation of the ovary.
orchitis - inflammation of the testicle.
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pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas.
pertussis (Also called whooping cough.) - mainly affects infants
and young children; caused by a bacterium, it is characterized by
paroxysms of coughing that end with the characteristic whoop as air is
inhaled. Pertussis caused thousands of deaths in the 1930s and 1940s, but
with the advent of a vaccine, the rate of death has declined dramatically.
pleural effusion - a collection of fluid between the lung and
chest wall.
pneumothorax - air becomes trapped in the pleural space (the
area between the lung and the chest wall); causes the lung to collapse.
poliomyelitis - a highly contagious infectious disease caused by
various types of poliovirus. Spread though feces and airborne particles,
the poliovirus usually causes no more than a mild illness. However, some
of the more serious manifestations of the disease include meningitis,
which can lead to extensive paralysis.
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rabies - a widespread, viral infection spread through the bite
of certain warm-blooded animals. It attacks the nervous system and, if
left untreated, is 100 percent fatal in animals.
respiratory diphtheria - when a person is infected with
diphtheria, the bacterium usually multiplies in the throat, leading to the
respiratory version of diphtheria. A membrane may form over the throat and
tonsils, causing a sore throat. Other common symptoms of respiratory
diphtheria may include: breathing difficulty, a husky voice, enlarged
lymph glands, and an increased heart rate.
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - an infection that causes
inflammation of the lower airways and pneumonia.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) - an infection caused by the
bite of an infected tick, usually a wood tick or dog tick.
rubella (Also called German measles.) - an acute viral infection
that causes a mild illness in children and slightly more severe illness in
adults. The disease is spread person-to-person through airborne particles
and takes two to three weeks to incubate.
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skin (cutaneous) diphtheria -one type of diphtheria; the
symptoms are usually milder and may include yellow spots or sores (similar
to impetigo) on the skin.
syphilis - the initial symptom of syphilis is a painless open
sore that usually appears on the penis or around or in the vagina. If
untreated, syphilis may go on to more advanced stages, including a
transient rash and, eventually, serious involvement of the heart and
central nervous system.
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tetanus - a disease caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani
that produces painful, rigid muscle contractions, especially in the neck
and jaw. Immunization against tetanus can prevent the disease.
toxic shock syndrome (TSS) - describes a cluster of symptoms
that involve many systems of the body. TSS is usually caused by
Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
tuberculosis (TB) - an infectious disease that was once a major
killer worldwide. The predominant TB organism is Mycobacterium
tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). Spread person-to-person in airborne
droplets caused by sneezing or coughing, the bacteria usually infects the
lungs. However, due to improved nutrition, housing, sanitation, medical
care, and the introduction of antibiotics this century, reported TB cases
in the US have declined dramatically.
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x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible
electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones,
and organs onto film.
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